Nepal: Damaged or Destroyed Schools Threaten Return of One Million Children

Kathmandu, Nepal (May 31, 2015) — As schools throughout Nepal prepare to open for the first time in over a month, it is estimated that close to one million children may not be able to return to their classrooms due to the extensive damage caused by the earthquakes of April 25 and May 12.

More than 32,000 classrooms have been completely destroyed, and an additional 15,000 have been badly damaged and considered unsafe for students and teachers.

Even in areas where schools have remained intact, many children and parents are anxious about returning due to fears of further aftershocks and fragile building structures.

“Save the Children firmly believes that education cannot stop because of an emergency. We know that in times of crisis, providing children with an education allows them the opportunity to recover from what has happened not just restart their learning. As such, we are eager to get children into the classroom but know that it is crucial they also feel safe,” says Delilah Borja, country director at Save the Children Nepal.

“We have already established 32 temporary learning centers in some of the communities most-affected by the earthquake of April 25, and will build a further 670 in the coming months.

“We are aware that the longer children are out of school, the harder it is for them to return and that is why we will continue to do all we can to get children back into education,” she adds.

Save the Children is providing essential learning materials to schools as well as training to teachers on how to ensure that the school environment is safe and how to help traumatized children recover from their experiences.

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Gemma Gillie at gemma.gillie@savethechildren.org or call +977 9801243628

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share. Learn more at www.SavetheChildren.org.

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